They will battle it out with the two other shortlisted businesses in their category, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin – Kids Allowed and Liars Club Holdings – with the winner announced at a presentation event on November 9th at The Principle Hotel in Manchester.

This year marks 25 years of the popular awards scheme which celebrates businesses of all shapes and sizes across the region.

Managing Director of Francis Kirk Group, Tom Kirk, said the company was delighted to be recognised: “The opportunities for growth and expansion for us this year are better than ever – especially in overseas markets – and it is very rewarding to have that noted and have the business placed alongside other high achieving companies such a prestigious awards scheme.”

Next stages for the fifth generation business is a presentation to a judging panel including representatives from headline sponsors law firm Hill Dickinson, business advisers PwC, recruitment giant Robert Walters, Manchester Airport and Oman Air, Barclays and Brewin Dolphin. Plus the hosting of a film crew in the business to showcase day–to-day operations.

Speaking of the shortlist MEN business editor Shelina Begum said: “2017 is an exciting year for us as we mark 25 years. The scheme has been celebrating the brightest and most unique businesses from across the region for over two decades.

“The quality of entries has again been of an extremely high standard this year with the number of entries increasing, which is a credit to the thriving business scene in Greater Manchester.

“We look forward to joining all our shortlisted businesses to celebrate their success and that of the wider business community.”

There will once again be a Judge’s Choice prize, which was won by UKFast last year.

Phil Storer, private business partner at PwC added: “What has been abundantly obvious is the quality of the entries and the number of successful businesses, across many varied different sectors, which continue to help sustain a buoyant North West economy, providing employment opportunities and potential for further investment in the region.”